An exploration of counselling and support services as experienced by adult male survivors of child sexual abuse
Global estimates suggest between 5% and 10% of men report that they have experienced sexual abuse as a child. However, it is thought that male childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is significantly underreported, with men being reluctant to disclose due to vulnerability, stigmatisation, homophobic responses, and loss of masculinity. Due to a lack of research and service provision targeted towards men it is suggested male survivors of CSA are marginalised. This qualitative study, using a narrative approach, has focused on four adult male survivors of CSA. The aim of the study was to explore their experiences of engaging in counselling and support services from statutory and non-statutory organisations. The participants took part in face-to-face narrative interviews, all of which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was undertaken using a two-phase approach; firstly, each narrative was analysed as a whole, rather than fragmenting the data; secondly, an across transcripts analysis was carried out to identify shared themes and divergences that emerged from the individual stories. Findings from the second phase of the analysis brought four themes to the fore; ‘Trust Me, I’m a Doctor,’ ‘Trust me, I’m a Counsellor,’ ‘Counsellor or Mother?’ and ‘Blocking the Memories.’ The men also described their experiences of disclosure, and the impact that CSA has had on their life. This is the first study regarding men’s experience of support for CSA in the United Kingdom from a service user perspective. This study makes an original contribution to the knowledge base regarding the counselling experiences and effectiveness of therapy for male CSA survivors and will help to inform professional counselling, mental health practice, and healthcare workers per se, all of whom are likely to come into contact with male CSA survivors.
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